As a new happy owner of a Tesla S, and as a person who owned 15 car dealerships in 3 states in the mid-west and having been involved in franchise disputes it will be very difficult to beat the dealers state by state. You might want to consider franchising to dealers with Tesla having an operating agreement with the dealer to manage the operations of the dealership. This could be a win-win for both parties. Please get this idea to Mr. Musk if you think it might have potential.

Curt Renz |
18. April 2013

@tbohcars@gmail.com
That would be quite inefficient and adds unnecessary costs for consumers. Surely you know that. Tesla Motors and its customers have no need for middlemen. That is the point of the petition and Tesla's efforts to overturn state laws thwarting free enterprise and interstate commerce. Your campaign contributions to worthless legislators will not be good enough to forever fight the tide. Ultimately the US Supreme Court will invoke the constitutional protection of interstate commerce. Adapt or die. Welcome to the 21st century.

ghillair |
18. April 2013

Curt +1

Tslarevolution |
18. April 2013

perfectly stated curt.

Cattledog |
19. April 2013

tbohcars - Glad you have bought a Tesla and honestly, we appreciate you looking at alternatives to help Tesla's cause. Like an electric car vs a hybrid, I think most folks here do not see an intermediate alternative like the one you proposed as the way that is best for Tesla or buyers - of course you are free to disagree.

I side with Curt - Tesla has captured the sentiments of the 21st century with this car: design, performance, technology, user experience, service, etc. that simply leapfrogs the slow-adapting 20th century models we are all used to. Tesla = Skype, Dealers = Pony Express.